Foreshorten

Pronunciation: /fɔːrˈʃɔːrtn̩/

Definitions of foreshorten

verb to make something appear shorter or smaller by using perspective

Example Sentences

A1 The artist had to foreshorten the model's arm to fit it into the painting.

A2 In order to create a sense of depth, the photographer decided to foreshorten the image.

B1 Art students learn how to foreshorten objects in their drawings to create realistic perspectives.

B2 The architect used foreshortening techniques to accurately represent the building's dimensions in the blueprints.

C1 The skilled painter was able to foreshorten complex scenes with precision and accuracy.

C2 The master sculptor's ability to foreshorten figures in his works was unparalleled in the art world.

Examples of foreshorten in a Sentence

formal The artist had to foreshorten the figure in order to accurately depict the perspective in the painting.

informal I had to foreshorten my presentation because I ran out of time.

slang I'll have to foreshorten my workout today, I'm feeling too tired.

figurative Sometimes in life, we have to foreshorten our plans in order to adapt to unexpected circumstances.

Grammatical Forms of foreshorten

• past tense: foreshortened
• plural: foreshortens
• comparative: more foreshortened
• superlative: most foreshortened
• present tense: foreshorten
• future tense: will foreshorten
• perfect tense: have foreshortened
• continuous tense: is foreshortening
• singular: foreshorten
• positive degree: foreshorten
• infinitive: to foreshorten
• gerund: foreshortening
• participle: foreshortening

Origin and Evolution of foreshorten

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'foreshorten' originated from the combination of the Middle English words 'for-' meaning before or in front of, and 'shorten' meaning to make shorter.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of art to describe the technique of depicting an object or figure in a picture or drawing in a way that conveys the illusion of depth and perspective. Over time, the word has also come to be used in a more general sense to describe the act of making something appear shorter or more compressed.